FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY OUTLINED THEIR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
 

Washington, Mar 16 -

“Protecting Florida’s beaches and offshore resources is an economic and environmental necessity,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth).“As Chairman of the Florida delegation, I am working to build bi-partisan support among the Florida members to support ongoing research and cleanup efforts for the Gulf.” Today, Stearns sponsored a briefing for the Florida delegation by Dr. Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida. The University of South Florida is one of 20 member institutions of the Florida Institute of Oceanography.   

She outlined the Institute’s view that any restoration efforts for the Gulf relies on sound science and research such as that conducted by its Gulf of Mexico Ecosystems and Ocean Observing System. This system will enable scientists to develop baseline information, make meaningful predictions and recommendations, and contribute to better restoration of the Gulf of Mexico. With the support of the delegation, Stearns secured funding last year for the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s work in the Gulf and he is looking into additional funding for the Institute from penalties assessed against BP through the Clean Water Act.   

Photo from the Briefing  (Reps. Webster and Bilirakis join me and members of the Florida Institute of Oceanography).